Introduction
There is something truly special about the moment a tuberous begonia unfurls its first heavy, rose-like petals in a shaded corner of your garden. Whether they are cascading from a hanging basket or brightening up a patio pot, begonias offer a lush, tropical beauty that is hard to match. If you have fallen in love with these vibrant blooms, it is only natural to wonder if you can enjoy them again next summer without starting from scratch.
The short answer is yes, begonias can grow back every year, but because they are tropical plants, they need a little help from you to survive the winter. At Longfield Gardens, we want to help you get the most out of your plants, and that includes keeping your favorite varieties part of your garden landscape for years to come. By understanding how these plants grow and how to protect them from the cold, you can ensure a beautiful encore performance every spring.
This guide is designed for home gardeners who want to understand the life cycle of their begonias and learn the simple steps for keeping them healthy through the "off-season." We will cover the differences between the various types of begonias and provide a clear path for keeping them healthy through the winter. While begonias are tender perennials that cannot survive a freeze, they are incredibly resilient when given the right care.
Understanding the Begonia Life Cycle
To answer whether a begonia will grow back, we first have to look at what kind of begonia you are growing. In the gardening world, we often group begonias into two main categories: those that grow from tubers and those that have fibrous roots. Both can "grow back," but the method for keeping them alive through the winter is very different.
Tuberous Begonias: Built for a Comeback
Tuberous begonias, such as the popular Non-Stop series or Illumination series, are the varieties most likely to be saved and grown again year after year. These plants grow from a thick, potato-like structure called a tuber. This tuber acts as a storage tank, holding onto energy and moisture so the plant can survive a period of rest.
In their native tropical environments, these plants go dormant during the dry season. In our North American gardens, they go dormant when the weather turns cold. Because they have this storage organ, you can "put them to sleep" for the winter and wake them up when the soil warms in the spring. This makes them a fantastic investment for your garden.
Wax and Fibrous Begonias: The Year-Rounders
Wax begonias and other fibrous-rooted types do not have a tuber to store energy. Instead, they grow continuously as long as the conditions are right. In most parts of the United States, these are treated as annuals because they will die if they experience a hard frost.
However, because they don't require a dormancy period, you can bring these begonias indoors before the first frost and keep them as houseplants. They will continue to grow and may even bloom on a sunny windowsill all winter long. When spring returns and the risk of frost has passed, you can move them back outside to continue their growth.
Hardy Begonias: The Rare Exception
There is one specific type of begonia, known as Begonia grandis, which is considered "hardy." In many parts of the country (down to USDA zone 6), this begonia can actually stay in the ground over the winter and sprout again on its own in the spring. It is a wonderful choice for woodland gardens, but it is the exception to the rule. For most of the begonias we love for our pots and baskets, we need to take a more active role in their winter survival.
Key Takeaway: Most begonias are tender perennials. This means they naturally want to live for many years, but they lack the internal "antifreeze" to survive a cold winter outdoors.
How to Overwinter Tuberous Begonias
If you are growing tuberous begonias, the process of getting them to grow back is quite simple. It involves mimicking their natural cycle of dormancy. By following these steps, you can save your tubers and enjoy even larger, more impressive plants next season.
Step 1: Watch the Weather
The signal for a tuberous begonia to go dormant is a combination of shorter days and cooler temperatures. You should leave your begonias outside as long as possible in the fall, as this is when the plant sends all its remaining energy down into the tuber to prepare for next year.
Once you notice the leaves starting to turn yellow or after the first very light frost touches the foliage, it is time to act. Do not wait for a "hard" freeze that turns the soil into a block of ice, as this can damage the tuber itself.
Step 2: Lifting and Curing
Carefully lift the entire plant out of its pot or the ground. At this stage, the stems might be quite brittle, so handle them gently. Cut the stems back so only about an inch or two remains above the tuber.
Place the tubers (still with some soil attached is fine) in a dry, shaded area like a garage or a covered porch. This process is called "curing." Over the next week or two, the remaining bits of stem will dry up and eventually fall off naturally. Once the tuber is dry and the stems have detached, gently brush away the excess soil.
Step 3: Winter Storage
The goal for winter storage is to keep the tubers cool, dark, and dry, but not freezing. A temperature between 45°F and 55°F is ideal.
- Packing: Place your tubers in a cardboard box or a paper bag.
- Insulation: Surround them with slightly damp peat moss, vermiculite, or even shredded newspaper. This prevents them from shriveling up completely without making them wet enough to rot.
- Location: A cool basement or an insulated crawlspace works perfectly.
Step 4: The Spring Wake-Up
Around 8 to 12 weeks before the last expected frost in your area, you can bring your tubers out of storage. Look for small pink or white "eyes" (buds) starting to form in the indented center of the tuber.
Place the tubers in a shallow tray of moist potting soil with the hollow side facing up. Keep them in a warm, bright spot. Once they have sprouted a few inches of growth and the outdoor temperatures stay consistently above 50°F at night, they are ready to go back into the garden. For additional guidance, see this begonia overwintering guide.
What to do next:
- Check your local hardiness zone so you know when to start the lifting process.
- Prepare a storage box with peat moss or newspaper ahead of time.
- Mark your calendar for late winter to check on your stored tubers for signs of life.
Keeping Wax Begonias Alive as Houseplants
Since wax begonias don't have tubers to store away, "growing back" means keeping the plant actively growing indoors. This is an easy win for gardeners who have a little extra space on a sunny windowsill.
Bringing Them Indoors
Before the overnight temperatures drop below 50°F, give your wax begonias a quick trim. Cutting them back by about a third helps them adjust to the lower light levels indoors by reducing the amount of foliage the roots have to support.
Check the plants carefully for any hitchhiking garden pests. A quick rinse of the leaves with a gentle spray of water can help ensure you aren't bringing bugs into your home. Once they are inside, place them in a spot that gets bright, indirect light.
Winter Care Indoors
Indoor air in the winter can be very dry, which is the opposite of what begonias prefer. You don't need a professional greenhouse, but a few simple adjustments can keep them happy:
- Humidity: Place the pots on a tray filled with pebbles and a little water. As the water evaporates, it creates a humid microclimate around the plant.
- Watering: Be careful not to overwater. Indoor plants grow more slowly and need less water than they do during the heat of summer. Wait until the top inch of soil feels dry before watering again.
- Light: If your plants start to look "leggy" (long stems with few leaves), they likely need more light. A south-facing window is usually the best bet. This indoor begonia care guide offers additional advice.
Why Some Begonias Might Not Return
Gardening is a learning process, and sometimes, despite our best efforts, a plant might not make it back. Understanding the most common reasons for this can help you adjust your strategy for next year. At us, we believe that most "failures" are simply opportunities to learn more about what your plants need.
The Problem of Rot
The most common reason begonia tubers fail to grow back is moisture. If the soil stays too wet during the summer, or if the tubers are stored in a damp place over the winter, they can rot. A healthy tuber should feel firm, similar to a fresh potato. If it feels soft or mushy, it has likely succumbed to rot.
To prevent this, always use well-draining potting soil and containers with drainage holes. During winter storage, ensure the packing material is only "barely" damp, not wet.
Freezing Temperatures
Begonias are truly tropical. Even a single night of freezing temperatures can turn the fleshy stems and leaves of a begonia to mush. If the cold reaches the tuber itself, the cells inside will rupture, and the plant will not be able to grow back.
Success with begonias often comes down to timing. We recommend bringing your plants in or lifting your tubers as soon as the night temperatures start to consistently dip toward the 40s. It is always better to be a week early than a night too late.
Lack of Energy Storage
If a begonia was heavily stressed during the summer—perhaps due to extreme drought or a lack of nutrients—it may not have been able to store enough energy in its tuber to survive the winter.
Regular feeding with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer during the peak growing months (June through August) ensures the plant has plenty of fuel for its spring comeback. Think of it as packing a lunch for the plant to eat during its long winter nap.
Choosing the Best Varieties for Multiple Years
When you are shopping for begonias with the intent of growing them year after year, choosing the right varieties makes a big difference. Some types are simply more vigorous and produce larger tubers that are easier to store.
The Non-Stop Series
As the name suggests, Non-Stop begonias are bred to produce flowers all season long. They are tuberous begonias that come in a wide range of colors, from brilliant reds to soft yellows. These are excellent candidates for overwintering because they tend to form sturdy, reliable tubers that handle the dormancy process very well.
The Illumination Series
If you love the look of flowers spilling over the edges of a container, the Illumination series is a top choice. These have a trailing habit and produce a massive amount of blooms. Because they are tuberous, you can lift them in the fall just like the upright varieties. They are particularly rewarding to grow back because the plants often become larger and more lush in their second and third years.
On Top and Amerihybrid Varieties
These varieties are known for their massive, often multi-colored blooms. They are "dinnerplate" style begonias that make a huge statement in the garden. Because these plants put so much energy into their spectacular flowers, they benefit greatly from regular fertilizing to ensure the tuber stays healthy enough for a return trip next year.
Key Takeaway: Investing in high-quality tuberous begonias is the best way to ensure you have plants that are capable of growing back year after year.
Simple Steps for Success
To make the process of growing begonias back every year feel achievable, it helps to break it down into a simple seasonal rhythm.
- Spring: Replant stored tubers or buy new ones. Start them indoors for an early head start on the blooming season.
- Summer: Keep plants well-watered but never soggy. Fertilize every two weeks to build up energy in the tuber.
- Early Fall: Reduce watering as temperatures cool to help the plant begin its move toward dormancy.
- Late Fall: Lift tubers before the first hard frost. Cure them in a dry spot for two weeks.
- Winter: Store tubers in a cool, dry, dark location. Check them once a month to ensure they aren't rotting or shriveling.
Planting for the Future
When you decide to overwinter your begonias, you are doing more than just saving money. You are developing a relationship with your plants. A begonia tuber that you have cared for over three or four years becomes a centerpiece of your garden with a story behind it.
The first year you try to overwinter your begonias, keep it simple. Start with just a few of your favorite tuberous varieties. Once you see those first green shoots emerging from the soil in the spring, you will realize how rewarding this process truly is. Gardening is about the joy of growth, and there is no greater joy than seeing a beloved plant return to life after a long winter sleep.
Conclusion
Begonias are some of the most rewarding plants you can grow, offering incredible color and texture for very little effort. While they won't survive a snowy winter in the garden, their ability to grow back from a stored tuber or live on as a houseplant makes them a versatile choice for any home. By following the simple steps of lifting, curing, and storing, you can turn a single season of beauty into a multi-year garden tradition.
At Longfield Gardens, we are committed to providing you with the highest quality tubers and the practical knowledge you need to succeed. Whether you are a first-time gardener or a seasoned pro, the process of overwintering begonias is a simple way to bring more beauty into your life year after year.
- Identify if your begonia is tuberous or fibrous-rooted.
- Lift tuberous begonias before a hard frost and cure them for two to three weeks.
- Store tubers in a cool, dark, and dry place (45°F–55°F).
- Bring wax begonias indoors as houseplants to keep them growing year-round.
"The secret to begonias returning year after year isn't magic—it's just a little bit of timing and a cool, dry place to rest."
The next step is easy: take a look at your garden and decide which of your begonias you want to see again next year. With a little bit of preparation this fall, you'll be ready for an even more beautiful display next spring.
FAQ
Can I leave my begonias in the ground over winter?
In most parts of the United States, begonias will not survive the winter if left in the ground. Unless you live in a very warm, frost-free climate (USDA zones 9-11) or are growing the specific "hardy begonia" (Begonia grandis), you must lift the tubers or bring the plants indoors to keep them from dying in the cold. Use the Hardiness Zone Map to compare your climate.
How do I know if my begonia has a tuber?
The easiest way to tell is to look at the base of the plant where the stems meet the soil. Tuberous begonias will have a thick, woody, or fleshy base that looks a bit like a dark brown potato. Wax begonias, which are the small ones often used in mass bedding displays, have thin, stringy roots and no central storage organ.
When should I start my begonia tubers in the spring?
You should start your begonia tubers indoors about 8 to 12 weeks before the last frost date in your area. This gives the plants plenty of time to develop a strong root system and a few inches of top growth so they are ready to bloom shortly after you move them outside in late May or June. For more guidance, read How to Overwinter Begonia Plants.
Do I need to water my begonia tubers while they are in storage?
Generally, no. The goal of storage is to keep the tubers dormant and dry to prevent rot. If the tubers look extremely shriveled in mid-winter, you can very lightly mist the packing material (like peat moss) with water, but be very careful not to make it wet. Most tubers have enough stored moisture to survive the winter without any extra water.
